Marijuana Cures Hiccups

[Jim Finnel]

Two American medical doctors report the use of marijuana to cure persistent (intractable) hiccups in an AIDS patient. The patient had received intravenous midazolam and dexamethasone prior to a minor surgical operation. Following surgery he developed intractable hiccups. Chlorpromazine controlled the condition only during sleep and nifedipine, valproate, lansoprazole, and intravenous lidocaine had no effect. Eight days after surgery the patient who had not previously smoked marijuana did so with the result that the hiccups stopped. They recurred the next day, but disappeared permanently on the next day when he again smoked marijuana. The doctors conclude that marijuana may be effective in stopping hiccups untreatable by other means.

Gilson, Ian and Busalacchi, Mary. Marijuana for intractable hiccups. The Lancet, Vol. 351, January 24, 1998, p. 267 (research letter)


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